PERSONAL: Married 20 years to Walt Porter, three children and five grandchildren.

ORGANIZATIONS: Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research (Board of Trustees), Women of worth (United Way), National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, Gemological Institute of America Alumni

HOBBIES: Boating on Lake Weir

DO YOU RECALL THE EXACT MOMENT YOU MADE YOUR CAREER CHOICE?

In the summer of 1989, I was employed by Alderman Pharmacy downtown and the drug store was closing; I was going to be unemployed. Being newly married, my husband, Walt, suggest we open a retail fine jewelry store. Ocala's Lady Jeweler Inc. opened in August of 1990. We are now celebrating 20 years downtown.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MAIN ISSUE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?

The changes in the economy have brought tradition and emotion back into the way clients are making purchases. Customers still have anniversaries and birthdays and fall in love. They are looking for better quality fine jewelry and a family jeweler.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR WOMEN IN MARION COUNTY'S BUSINESS COMMUNITY?

I see lots of opportunities for business women to network through our own Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and Business After Hours, as well as the new ABWA Ocala Express Network. These are great places to learn new communication skills and learn from each other.

DO YOU THINK THE RECESSION IS OVER?

I feel the economy is on its way back in the right direction.

DO YOU THINK ANY BARRIERS TO SUCCESS STILL EXIST FOR WOMEN?

The last two to three years the economy has changed a lot for women in the workplace. We now have more women being the main breadwinners in their family. This will open a lot of doors for position advancement in the future.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD IN YOUR CAREER?

Receiving the highest degree in gemology, Graduate Gemologist G.I.A.

WHO IS YOUR MENTOR?

I have been blessed with several mentors in my life. My husband Walt has made me the successful businesswoman I am today. He is my partner in business, and most of all, my best friend. Two strong women who I respect and admire and who have always given me great leadership are Lydia Kuttas and Beth McCall.

Sometimes a mentor doesn't even know that they are helping you gain knowledge and self confidence. Sometimes you don't even know until some years later.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESSWOMEN IN MARION COUNTY?

Get out and market yourself and network. Who motivates the motivator? You do. Talk with other women in business, ask questions, share experiences. Volunteer; get involved with your community. Give back to others. Charity is the biggest gift of yourself you can give.

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